Best Shotguns for Dove Hunting: Getting Ready for September

Dove hunting is one of the most popular upland hunting activities and is a favorite among hunters. September 1st (Dove opener) is widely known to wing shooters as the start of hunting season.

Choosing the right shotgun for dove hunting can be daunting, especially if you’re new to the sport. Heck, it’s hard for dove hunters who have been doing it for years as they try to pick which shotgun is their favorite or the luckiest of the day. There are many different brands and models to choose from, each with its own unique features.

Today, we’ll review four of the best shotguns for dove hunting based on performance, affordability, and versatility.

#1 Benelli Super Black Eagle III: The Best All-Around Shotgun

The Benelli Super Black Eagle III is one of the most popular shotguns for all wing shooting, not just dove hunting – and it’s for good reason.

The SBE III offers a perfect combination of power and comfort, making it ideal for novice and seasoned hunters.

It’s a semi-automatic shotgun that Benelli has been expanding the range of gauges available – it’s now readily available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and even a 28 gauge model, making it an excellent choice for dove hunting. Not only is it versatile, but the Super Black Eagle III is also incredibly reliable, with very few malfunctions, even after many seasons of abuse from our team here at Huntbums.

One of the standout features of the Super Black Eagle III is its unique ComforTech stock, which reduces felt recoil and increases shooter comfort; this makes it an excellent choice for hunters who want to spend hours in the field without a sore shoulder the next day. The Super Black Eagle III is also an inertia-driven shotgun, which makes it very easy to maintain, with simple disassembly and cleaning processes.

#2 Remington 870: The Best Budget/Pump Shotgun

The Remington 870 is an excellent choice for hunters who are looking for a budget-friendly option for dove hunting.

This pump-action shotgun is exceptionally reliable and is widely considered to be one of the best budget shotguns on the market – if you look in just about any old-timers gun safe, you’re bound to find one of these in it. The Remington 870 is a 12-gauge shotgun that is perfect for dove hunting, with a smooth and reliable action. Multiple times I’ve seen a Remington 870 dropped straight into the mud, picked up, and fired immediately without a hitch – they are the AK47s of the shotgun realm, in our opinion.

In addition to being affordable and reliable, the Remington 870 is also very customizable, with a wide range of accessories and upgrades available. Whether you’re looking to purchase a home security length barrel, an upgraded stock or foregrip, or any other accessory, you can easily find what you need for the Remington 870.

#3 Franchi Affinity: The Best Middle Ground Shotgun

The Franchi Affinity is a semi-automatic shotgun that perfectly balances affordability and performance. This shotgun is perfect for hunters who want a high-quality option without breaking the bank. The Affinity is light and very well-balanced, making it easy to handle and swing to target in the field. The Franchi affinity comes in both 12-gauge and 20-gauge configurations.

One of the standout features of the Franchi Affinity is its Inertia Driven System, which usually requires much less cleaning than its gas counterparts. The Affinity is also very customizable, with a wide range of accessories and upgrades available.

#4 Benelli 828U Over/Under Shotgun: The Most Expensive

The Benelli 828U Over/Under Shotgun is the most expensive option on our list but also the most high-end. This shotgun is perfect for hunters looking for the best and who want a shotgun that looks as good in the field as it does in the safe. The 828U is an over/under shotgun that shoots just as good as it looks and is perfect for hunters who are looking for the best of the best.

One of the standout features of the Benelli 828U is Benelli’s Progressive Comfort System, which makes this shotgun easy on the shoulder no matter the size of the shell or payload that you’re shooting. This shotgun is also incredibly well-balanced, making it a pleasure to use in the field. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newcomer to the sport, the Benelli 828U is an excellent choice for anyone.

our two cents

In conclusion, choosing the right shotgun for dove hunting is an important decision that can make or break your hunting experience.

Today, if I had to make a choice, I’d say that the Benelli Super Black Eagle III is the best all-around shotgun, offering outstanding performance and versatility.

For those who are on a tight budget, the Remington 870 is the best choice, providing reliable and efficient performance for its price point.

The Franchi Affinity is a great middle-ground option that is under $1000, offering the perfect balance of affordability and high-end features.

Finally, the Benelli 828 Over Under shotgun is the most expensive choice, but it’s top-of-the-line performance and sleek design make it worth the investment for serious hunters.

Ultimately, the best shotgun for dove hunting depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. Consider all of these factors before making a final decision and prepare for a successful dove season – no matter what time of the year, we’re all looking forward to September 1st!